Saunders King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saunders King
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Saunders Samuel King |
| Born | March 13, 1909 Caddo Parish, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | August 31, 2000 (aged 91) San Rafael, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, guitarist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1938–1961, 1979 |
| Labels | Aladdin, Modern, Rhythm |
Saunders Samuel King (born March 13, 1909 – died August 31, 2000) was an American musician. He was a talented R&B and blues guitarist and singer. His music helped shape the sound of popular music in the mid-20th century.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Saunders King was born in Staples, a town in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. His parents, Bishop Judge L. King and Sarah Anasilistine King, were very involved in their church. They moved their family several times, building churches in Louisiana, Texas, and California.
Saunders grew up singing in the church. As a young boy, he learned to play the piano, banjo, and ukulele. He didn't start playing the guitar until 1938.
Singing on the Radio
In the late 1930s, Saunders King sang with a group called the Southern Harmony Four Gospel Quartet. They performed on NBC radio, sharing their gospel music with many listeners.
Rise to Fame with "S.K. Blues"
In 1942, Saunders King released a song called "S.K. Blues." This song quickly became a huge hit across the country. It was one of the first songs to feature an electric blues guitar, which was a new and exciting sound at the time.
King was known for his smooth, clear voice and his amazing performances. He could play perfectly, whether he was with a small group or a larger band. His favorite guitar was a Gibson 300.
Other Artists Cover His Song
The song "S.K. Blues" was so popular that other famous musicians also recorded it. Both Jimmy Witherspoon and Big Joe Turner made their own versions of the hit song.
Later Career and Family Life
Saunders King traveled to Chicago and performed at famous clubs like the Cafe Society. In 1948, he met and married Jo Frances Willis. They had two daughters, Kitsaun Jo King and Deborah Sara King, and raised their family in San Francisco, California.
King continued to perform at many popular venues, including the Savoy and Club Alabam. He also recorded music for several record labels, such as Aladdin Records and Modern Records.
Chart Success
In 1949, Saunders King had two songs that made it onto the Billboard R&B music charts in the United States. "Empty Bedroom Blues" reached number 9, and "Stay Gone Blues" reached number 14.
Retirement and Return to Music
King stopped performing regularly in 1961. He wanted to spend more time with his family and continued to play his guitar at his family's church on Sundays.
In 1973, his daughter Deborah King married the famous musician Carlos Santana. Years later, in 1979, Saunders King recorded music with his son-in-law on an album called Oneness.
Later Years
Saunders King had a stroke in 1989. He and his wife, Jo Frances, lived in San Rafael, California. He passed away in August 2000 at the age of 91.
See also
In Spanish: Saunders King para niños
